CII-GOI join hands to bring out skilled workers in healthcare

eHEALTH Bureau To increase the number of skilled workers in healthcare, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is working with the health department to train school dropouts to work in hospitals and for homecare, reports media. “We don’t find enough trained people to work in hospitals as ward boys or offer care at people’s homes. We are confident that after a six-month course along with an internship at a hospital, we can train them to draw blood samples,” said Dr E S Krishnamoorthy, convener, healthcare panel in Tamil Nadu. “We will have to work out the certificate programme, the syllabus and contents,” he said at a press conference. The CII, he said, would work with the government to upgrade PHCs under private-public partnership models. “The government has put in beds and infrastructure in these centres. The corporates can put in place systems and process,” he said. The panel felt that hospitals were categorised as unorganised sectors because most required no registration and were not monitored. Though most hospitals would work towards an NABH accreditation as it will soon be mandatory for the purpose of health insurance, many will not consider such certifications as less than 10% of the population have health insurance. “We are looking at a process for streamlining allopathic hospitals and others practising Indian systems of medicine. We are also looking at accreditation for those working in fitness, beauty, rejuvenation, nutrition and counselling as they are important to attract tourists. Moreover, services in areas like rehabilitation therapy and counseling would to improve to meet even the local demands,” he said.